Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.

If you have even had unexpected dinner guests, then you can probably identify with Philip and Andrew.  When Jesus asked them how to feed an enormous crowd, they must have wondered, “What is he talking about?  We can not feed this many people!”  They looked at what they had – two fish and five barley loaves – and concluded that it was not enough.  What they had was too little to be useful.

We can feel this way about ourselves.  When we face the challenges of our day – getting along with a co-worker or juggling the demands of family life – we might conclude that our resources of kindness or energy or money are too little.  What we have feels like it is not enough to get us through the day, let alone be of much use to God.

But look at what Jesus did with a few loaves and fish.  He fed thousands.  He made it clear that it is not the size of the gift the matters; it is the immensity of his power that makes the difference.

So what can we learn from this miracle?

First, little is not little when we give it to the Lord.  He can do great things when we offer our gifts to him.  If we give him just ten minutes in quiet prayer, he can fill us with his love and show us how to love each other.  When we offer someone a smile, he can use that kindness to warm their heart.  When we make a casserole for a family in need, he does so much more than satisfy their hunger – he reminds them that they have dignity and that they are loved.

Second, nothing is wasted in God’s economy.  Even the leftover “fragments” o four acts of love are precious to the Lord.  He sees and cares about the tiny sacrifices that nobody notices, the unappreciated energy we put into helping someone out.  He promises to bless every moment we spend in prayer by filling us with grace so that we can pour it out again for his people.

So be courageous!  Offer what you have to be the Lord and trust that he will multiply it.  Offer him your time in prayer and offer your love to those around you.  And watch how he meets people’s needs through you!

-word among us